Oxford schools: Construction everywhere

OXFORD – The new Oxford High School still is slated to open in January, but its completion is only one of several Oxford School District construction projects either under way or planned in the near future.
Bad weather has put Yates Construction behind on a tight schedule to get the new school completed before the fall semester’s end.
“They are committed to the November 30 date,” Sonny Brownlee, the district’s director of school services, told board members on Monday. “They are behind, but they’ve had additional crews on masonry, so they’re catching up.”
Superintendent Brian Harvey said the school district is considering legal options against a contractor responsible for a faulty roof at Della Davidson Elementary, the district’s newest school currently in use.
In other construction business, board members approved up to $15,000 for a feasibility study of adding a performing arts center back to the new high school plan with a private-sector fundraising effort.
The school board voted to consider contracts with Eley Guild Hardy architect firm to renovate the current high school and Oxford Elementary School. The OES renovations will include restroom upgrades, additional classroom space and a relocated entrance that will be both more secure and more parent-friendly, said architect Taylor Guild.
The board also voted to approve advertising to select an architect for renovations at Bramlett Elementary School at an unspecified time.